FCC volunteers helping to build a home in Pasadena on July 29th. See article below.

Reflections for Worship . . .

Exodus 16:1-8, 13-16"Where Are We Going?"

We will continue our exploration of Marcus Borg's book The Heart of Christianity this Sunday. I will be exploring the concept of the Kingdom of God from chapter 7 of the book. The text I will be using is from the Exodus story of the early Israelites wandering in the wilderness and looking to one another and to their God for guidance. The Israelites are afraid, hungry and very very weary of not knowing about their future - something all of us can relate to at different times in our lives! Join us on Sunday as we explore these themes and how to be people of faith during these times.

Also this week:

Many thanks to those of you who signed up to be part of the Saturday morning Habitat Build this Saturday July 29th. After the morning build everyone from church is invited to a pool party/barbecue at the Bonzo's house at noon. Burgers, hot dogs and vege dogs and drinks will be provided. (if you were on the Habitat build don't bring any food - just come!! We will feed you. Thanks to Membership for sponsoring the pool party/barbecue portion (Kevin, Lu, Kim, Tara and Marlene).

Pastor Marlene dropped off several backpacks and supplies to Friends in Deed on our behalf this week. Thanks to those who donated backpacks and supplies! The backpack delivery will take place next week and FID needs helpers to hand out the packs!! If you can help, please contact Marlene ASAP for the following shifts:

Tuesday Aug. 1st 9:45-noon or noon-3:00

Wednesday Aug. 2nd 9:45-noon or noon-3:00

They need three volunteers for every shift and the mornings will be busier than the afternoons. Please let Marlene know!

-Rev. John H.Pomeroy

Also this Sunday:

Rev. Andy and Elizabeth will be leading the combined church school class in the youth lounge.

In this week's service we will hear the Gospel Choir, as well as one of our young singers, Mattias Orr. Hope to see you there.

Ways to Get Involved!

Join a Union Station meal team. Bring non-perishable food to church for Friends in Deed food pantry. Join us to help distribute backpacks for Friends in Deed August 1st and 2nd. Contact the church office or speak with a pastor for more info on any of the above.

Worship Leaders Rev. John H. Pomeroy

Rev. Marlene W. Pomeroy

Rev. Andy Schwiebert

Ushers

John Gamber-ThompsonJim MaddoxLu BurdJudy Burd

Liturgist

James Chavers

Pianist & Music Director

Connie Washburn

Church School Teachers

For summer we have a single church school class for children and youth in the youth lounge - the teachers for this week are Andy Schwiebert/Elizabeth Lanski.)

Church Nursery (for infants - K):

Jaquelyne Rodriguez & Serena Van

Nursery opens at 9 :15 a.m. for early birds and then everyone comes to worship at 10:00 and stays through the Children's Time and then heads to the nursery with caregivers and parents.

Continued Summer Happenings!!Small Group on Spiritual Practices Habitat for Humanity 7/29

2 Tickets left for Hollywood Bowl Aug. 27th

Summer Happenings Continue! Join us for any or all of our planned activities:

Sundays June 25-Aug. 6th join your preachers in exploring core theological themes from a progressive Christian perspective. We will be using the book The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg and exploring a chapter each week both in our preaching and with the children/youth in our combined church school class. We have books for sale at $10 each or you may purchase your own and read along with us. The intent is to increase our biblical and theological literacy with this overview of several topics and themes. Speak with Pastor Marlene if you wish to help staff our Summer Church School.

Saturday July 29th

Habitat Build 8-11:30 a.m. followed by a pool party and barbecue and Barb Bonzo's house starting at noon. Speak with John Gamber Thompson for Habitat details. Sign up for food for the barbecue after church with either Kim Story or Lu Burd in the next few weeks.

Every Other Wednesday Small Group on Mudhouse Sabbath (on Jewish Spiritual Practices) starting July 19th led by Pastor Andy. See article below for details

Sunday Aug. 27th Hollywood Bowl Picnic and Concert. We have 2 extra tickets to see Pink Martini in concert. This eclectic musical group is fantastic. The concert starts at 7 p.m. and we will be picnicking ahead of time starting around 5 p.m. Come and join us and bring a friend! Speak with Pastor Marlene to join the group.

Many of the topics of our recent small groups have been focused on social justice issues. We also recognize the need to ground ourselves in our daily and weekly spiritual practices to sustain us, whether in our work for social justice or in dealing with the daily challenges of life.

deep roots in Judaism, so the book is a reflection on the best of Jewish

spiritual practices that might also be life-giving for Christians.

We will try out these spiritual practices together over 4 sessions beginning

Wednesday July 19th, meeting every other Wednesday

evening from 6:30-8. Please let Andy know if you are interested.

-Rev. Andy Schwiebert

Sign up for Habitat For Humanity build in Pasadena on 7/29 at 8-11:30AM

Discipleship is sponsoring a service day on
Saturday 7/29, helping to build a home in Pasadena. Volunteers need not have construction experience and must be 16 years or older (with 1:1 adult accompaniment or 1:5 adult accompaniment for 17 year olds). Can you help us build an affordable home for a low-income neighbor?

Only 5 spots are available (out of 10 total), so if you are interested, please sign up ASAP. Here's how: click on
this link...

Then, click on "New Volunteer Registration", and follow the prompts to input your information. If you can manage to connect with our group while you register, great. The name of our group is, "First Congregational Church of Pasadena". If you cannot manage to find the group during your registration, don't worry, just complete it and you can find the service day after the fact.

During your registration, you will be asked to walk through the orientation, which includes watching a couple of videos and reading some materials, and answering some quiz questions, which takes about 10 minutes.

Then, you will need to navigate to the "Volunteer Opportunities Calendar" and look for the July 29date, and click to be added to the First Congregational Church of Pasadena date.

If you have any questions, please contact Andy or John Gamber-Thompson.

Summer Hollywood Bowl Outing - 2 tickets remaining!

Membership Ministry has selected the date of

Sunday Aug. 27th for our Summer Outing to hear Pink Martini. They are an eclectic group of performers and musicians and are not to be missed! The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and our discounted group tickets at $25 each. See Lu Burd or Pastor Marlene to sign up and pre-pay for your tickets. We have about
two tickets left in section L-1 and will plan to picnic together before the event. You must include $25 with your reservations.